Leapai to face Walker

By Ray Wheatley — World of Boxing

Samoan-born, Australian-based heavyweight Alex “The Lionheart” Leapai ( 18-3-3, 14 KOs) will be in action on Wednesday when he clashes with American heavyweight Travis Walker (34-4-1, 28 KOs) over ten rounds at the Entertainment Center, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. Walker, 6’4″ 245lbs, was crowned interim NABF heavyweight champion in 2008 when he stopped TJ Wilson in two rounds but was defeated by world rated Chris Arreola in 2008 and Johnathon Banks in 2010. Leapia, 6′ 230lbs, scored an impressive round one knockout victory over Bob Mirovic in 2010. Mirovic had been the distance with several world rated heavyweights including former giant WBA champion Nikolay Valuev.

Leapai is trained and managed by Noel Thornberry who is confident the big punching Samoan will be victorious. “Alex has the power to be a world champion – he only needs the opportunity,” said Thornberry. Leapai is also matched to box former world heavyweight contender Owen Beck (29-5, 20 KOs) on August 12 on the Gold Coast in Queensland.